‘One of the most respected and beloved journalists in the Washington press corps’

“For more than two decades, Peter has built a reputation for his professionalism, intrepid reporting, and sharp questioning of presidents of both parties,” said MS NOW President Rebecca Kutler in a memo to staff Monday. “He is one of the most respected and beloved journalists in the Washington press corps, and we are honored to have him join our newsroom.”

Alexander becomes the 10th journalist to make the move from NBC News to MS NOW, following familiar names like Vaughn Hillyard, who is MS NOW’s senior White House reporter, and Jacob Soboroff, a senior national and political reporter who will anchor weekends for MS NOW.

Kutler hinted that the hiring would continue, saying “as we build momentum, talented journalists like Peter want to join us. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come.”

‘Unique versatility’

Kutler noted that Alexander is “the rare journalist who can straddle lifestyle, politics, and breaking news with ease,” which is essentially the job description of a Today show anchor, where the hour may begin with live breaking news coverage of an attack in Iran, and later in the hour have an anchor participating in a light cooking segment--maybe even in costume.

“He brought compassion and humanity to the weekends,” Kutler said, “building a connection with viewers, all while leading the network’s White House coverage.” He’s expected to do the same audience building at 11 a.m., in a broadcast that will focus on hard news, not opinion.

Alexander’s time at the White House has put him in the crosshairs of Donald Trump, who in 2018 called him a “terrible reporter” during a class in the White House briefing room. In Trump’s second term, the president again attacked Alexander when the journalist asked about Qatar’s gift of a $400 million Boeing 747 for the president’s use--an aircraft that would go to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves Washington.

“You don’t have what it takes to be a reporter," Trump said, bristling at the question. "You’re not smart enough.”

That quote was played in Alexander’s honor during a ceremony awarding him the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Journalism, where he was described as “holding power accountable” and “maintaining his dignity despite ad hominem attacks.”